The Japanese rock sensation Aooo has officially unveiled their second studio album, Rooom. This powerhouse quartet represents a fusion of elite talent: lead vocalist Riko Ishino (formerly of Akai Koen), multi-talented songwriter and Vocaloid producer THREEE, bassist Hikaru Yamamoto—widely recognized for her collaborations with YOASOBI—and the versatile percussionist/guitarist Tsumiki, known for hits like “Phony” and his work with NOMELON NOLEMON.
Representing the culmination of their creative journey since forming in 2023, the record serves as a bold statement of their artistic growth. We sat down with the band to discuss the evolution of their sound, their internal dynamics, and the roadmap for their future.
The Genesis of “Star Sign”
Debuted during their December 2025 Special Live show at the Tokyo Garden Theater, “Star Sign” has become a cornerstone of the new album and a testament to their cohesion.
Riko Ishino: “Following our ‘BAKUBAKU’ tour, we felt a shift. After two years of working together, we wanted to create something that wasn’t just sharp and aggressive, but deeply reflective of our bond. Writing the lyrics and music collectively felt like an organic next step.”
Hikaru Yamamoto: “I wanted to distill our individual perspectives into one cohesive anthem. That song captures exactly where we stand today—a reflection of our history and our resolve to keep evolving together.”
Tsumiki: “Ishino’s chorus felt like a personal letter to the rest of the group. It inspired me to write the pre-chorus, focusing on the beautiful, almost inevitable nature of our collaboration.”
Yamamoto: “There was a moment in the studio where THREEE made a hilarious, unexpected mistake, and we all just burst into laughter. It hit me then: this is what I’ll look back on at the end of my life. That sense of belonging is the heart of Aooo.”
The Chemistry of Peers
The band balances the technical precision of seasoned professionals with an infectious, competitive spirit reminiscent of high-stakes manga narratives.
Tsumiki: “THREEE and I rose through the Vocaloid scene as rivals. To eventually form a band with him, alongside artists I’ve long admired like Ishino and Yamamoto, has been transformative for my creative drive.”
THREEE: “Coming from a solo background, I find the exchange of ideas in Aooo electrifying. We are constantly challenging each other, asking, ‘What do you think of this?’ It pushes every one of us to sharpen our own craft.”
A Global Outlook
With their “RINGRING” tour expanding into Taipei and Seoul, the group is embracing their growing international audience.
Tsumiki: “Music shouldn’t be defined by borders. I want our work to resonate universally, and the varied reactions we receive from different cultures are deeply fascinating.”
Yamamoto: “Seeing fans from around the world engaging with my work online was a massive motivator. Being able to look them in the eye during live performances now is a dream come true.”
The Future Vision
Looking ahead, Aooo aims to redefine the boundaries of J-pop on the world stage.
Tsumiki: “J-pop is naturally eclectic, blending rock, pop, and various sub-genres. I want Aooo to be a standard-bearer for Japanese music internationally.”
Ishino: “This was never just a ‘business project.’ It was born from genuine passion. I want us to keep creating, keep surprising ourselves, and continue to say with confidence: ‘This is who we are.'”
Interview by Sayako Oki, originally published via Billboard Japan.
